Alexis

Today we're posting our first Lismore Base Hospital Neonatal Unit profile! Here is the Alexis's story:


During delivery Alexis suffered from shoulder dystocia (when the shoulders become stuck after delivery of the babies head), In Alexis’s case it caused trauma to her body leading to tachycardia (heart beating too fast) and dangerously low oxygen saturation. 

Mum Casey was only able to say a brief “oi nice to meet you but see you later” before the midwives rushed her off to undergo oxygen therapy and heart monitoring in the Special Care Nursery (Neonatal unit). 

About three hours after delivery Casey was finally able to meet her baby girl properly, although she knew she was in good hands it was extremely difficult seeing her in the humidicrib. 

“[I] just fell to pieces, it was here that the neonatal staff really shined. I think it’s one thing to provide fantastic care for new babies, but providing support to the parents must be challenging… The staff were friendly and patient, taking time to explain what exactly had happened to out tiny baby girl and what to expect,” said Casey.

The staff in Special Care also took the time to provide one-on-one help for the very first breastfeed. They were aware that Casey had struggled to breastfeed her son and so were supportive, informative and gentle.

Although Casey’s husband Chris tried to remain calm and relaxed Casey reflects “I think the time in special care was one of the scariest of our lives… I don’t think I’ve ever seen Chris worry that much about anything that much ever. I realise how lucky I am to have healthy children rather then the heartbreak some families go through. I appreciate the neonatal nurses- not only are they dealing with critically ill babies they are taking on the role of comforter, counselor, advocate and teacher!”

Thankfully Alexis only required 8 hours of ‘Special Care’ before staff were confident she could breath on her own and she was quickly transferred to room stay with Casey.

Alexis during her time in the Special Care Nursery

Mum Casey was able to maintain breastfeeding and Alexis is a very happy breastfed baby 6 months on. 

                                                 Alexis, Happy and Healthy 6 months on!




If you have a story you'd like to contribute to our series on Lismore Base Hospitals Special Care Nursery/Neonatal unit then please email us at nrcfmarket@hotmail.com




Northern Rivers Child and Family Market,

Proudly Supporting Lismore Base Hospitals Neonatal Unit.

Shutterbubs Photography

We’re kicking off  our business profiles today with Shutterbubs photography. You can look forward to seeing Shutterbubs at the market!

Shutterbubs owner, Jill completed a University degree in photography, but it was the birth of her first daughter that first saw her considering photographing babies. She started with mother’s group friends, eventually moving on to families, children, weddings and even commercial photography!

Founded in Sydney in 2008 a move in late 2011 has seen the business arrive on the Northern Rivers and Jill looks forward to growing a local client base and photographing lots more families and events!

Shutterbubs offers fun, natural portrait photography in the comfort of your own home. Each session is casual and playful and provides memories for families that will last a lifetime!

Jill says “I don’t try to be fancy or trendy or anything other than myself, and I think this natural approach to photography shows in my work, as I portray the true essence of my subjects.”

“Though it can be a challenge juggling kids and a business, I love being able to be home with my kids most of the time as well as doing what I love for a living!”

Having always been a big supporter of charities supporting sick or premature babies Jill is excited to be a part of the Market, which will be directing all profits to Lismore Base Hospitals Neonatal Unit.

You can see more beautiful examples of Shutterbubs work and find out how to book on their website. Like them on Facebook to stay up to date and see more stunning shots!

Welcome to the Market!

We are creating this blog page to share the profiles and products of some of the local businesses we'll be showcasing at the upcoming Northern Rivers Child and Family Market as well as sharing some of the inspirational stories of babies and families who have been helped by Lismore Base Hospital's Neonatal Unit. All profits from the running of the market (stall fees and raffle) will be donated to the unit.

Here's a bit about us and why we've decided to hold this market.

We are two Northern Rivers Mums (Emma and Emily) who realised there was a lack of opportunities for local business to promote their products. We noticed that it is sometimes hard to find the perfect family friendly products despite the many amazing local businesses. We thought the best way to remedy the situation was to bring the businesses and the families together at a showcase market!

The market will be held on the Sunday, 9th of September 2012, at the Lismore Workers Club 10:30am-3:30pm. Entry is FREE and a raffle will be held on the day with lots of great prizes up for grabs.

If you are interested in holding a stall or would like more information you can email us at nrcfmarket@hotmail.com 

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~ Even when freshly washed and relieved of all obvious confections, children tend to be sticky.  ~Fran Lebowitz